The Three Mile an Hour God
Scripture lessons:
Acts 2.14a, 36-41
Luke 24.13-35
“As they talked and argued Jesus himself came up and walked with them.”
Luke 24.15
New Revised Standard Version
Kosuke Koyama, a former teacher at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, once described Jesus as the “three mile-an-hour God,” for his ministry was exercised mainly as he walked through open spaces, villages, and cities. According to Luke, he continued to teach as he walked, even after his death and resurrection!
My guess is that Jesus used the ordinary practice of walking not only as a way to get somewhere, but also as a way to communicate his message. Perhaps he enjoyed walking, using it as a time to ponder God’s purposes, to befriend his companions, and to come into greater contact with human need. As Jesus walked, people noticed him, reached out to him, and were healed by him.
When Jesus walked with two disciples on the way to Emmaus he spoke to them of God’s hopes being fulfilled through ancient scriptures. Then he shared a meal with them. Through these Christian basics, two men had an experience of Christ.
As we ponder the will of God through our reading of scripture, and as we open ourselves to the presence of Christ when we bless food and share it with each other, we also walk with Christ, and receive the nourishment we need to be his disciples.
Prayer: O God, help us to absorb the vitality of your wisdom as we listen for your word through ancient stories and daily meals, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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